LAUSD Superintendent, John Deasy, Board President, Richard Vladovic and Principal, Simone Charles are inviting the public to a naming ceremony in Los Angeles Thursday January 23, for the Mervyn M. Dymally High School Academy for Multilingual Arts and Sciences. Attending the ceremony will be community leaders and elected officials such as Congresswoman Maxine Waters, District 9 Councilman, Curren Price and city of Carson Councilman, Mike Gipson. Dymally’s family, his widow, Alice and daughter, Lynn will also be there.

“It is a thrill and an honor,” said Lynn Dymally, who worked with other supporters to have the school named for her father.

“My father was a school teacher in LAUSD. He raised his children and taught other children in this community. He would be honored (at the naming of the school).”

Mervyn M. Dymally was a political staple in California, starting out in the State Assembly in 1963. He ended his service there in 1966, moving on to the State Senate from 1967 to 1975, where he became California’s 41st lieutenant governor. In 1981, he began his term as one of the first African Americans to be elected to the United States Congress, where he represented California until 1993. He died October 7, 2012 in Los Angeles.

“My family and I are honored,” said Alice Dymally.

“We lost an extraordinary person. I deeply regret that my husband couldn’t be here but I feel comfort in knowing that while he was here, he was honored to know that there were plans to name a school after him. Of all his past accomplishments and honors, he felt that this one would be the greatest. I want to thank all of the friends and colleagues for their continued love and admiration for my husband.”

The ceremony will begin with a welcome from Vladovic’s office, followed by a presentation of colors and the pledge of allegiance by the Fremont High School ROTC. The Dymally cheerleaders will perform and there will also be an invocation from Lynn, Congresswoman Waters and other elected officials. Ending the ceremony will be the unveiling of the school name followed by a reception.

The ceremony begins at 10:00 am. The school is located at 8800 South San Pedro Street in Los Angeles.